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Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade

Key West grilled chicken with tropical citrus marinade on white plate garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges

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Experience the zesty fusion of lime, orange, and garlic as you grill tender chicken breasts to perfection. Perfect for summer cookouts with vibrant tropical flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup lime juice, ½ cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, lime zest, and orange zest until well blended.
  2. Place 4 chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess, and discard remaining marinade. Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  5. Place chicken on preheated grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and nice grill marks appear.
  6. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh citrus juices instead of bottled for brightest, most authentic flavor. The natural oils make a significant difference.
  • Pound chicken breasts to even ¾-inch thickness before marinating to ensure uniform cooking and maximum juiciness.
  • Don’t marinate longer than 24 hours as the citrus acid can make the chicken texture mushy.
  • Works beautifully with chicken thighs too. Adjust cooking time to 8-9 minutes per side.

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